Caitlin Fargher

the dam swallows the river whole

the dam swallows the river whole is a water system made from clay and minerals sourced from the dammed rivers of lutruwita/Tasmania. Caitlin Fargher has engineered a system that utilises natural materials, concrete, cheap technology and renewable energy sources. As the granddaughter of a Hydro Tasmania dam engineer, this installation is a personal reckoning with family history. It explores the way her family’s past and present have affected lutruwita’s environment, but also what tools and practical teachings it has given her to tackle the very current and overwhelming problem of Climate Change. 

There is tension in this - the give and take for renewable energy is very real, as vulnerable ecosystems and stolen land are used. Ultimately the research and creation of this installation asks: how can we create and engineer systems that acknowledge and engage deeply with environments and land use for a better future?

Material List

clay collected from Lake Peddar, North West & West Coast lutruwita/Tasmania

river stones from kanamaluka/River Tamar

burnt Teatree, Casurina & Tas Oak ash glaze

iron, concrete

rubble

poly piping

solar power fountain

electric pump

waterproofing paint & silicone